- Book your Tap Truck Atlanta today and get amazing offer Book Now
Check Out St Patrick’s Day Celebrated in the Good ol’ South
Set down your beer and refresh your memory on how the St. Patrick’s Day holiday got started so that you can amaze your buddies with the information on March 17. The St Patrick’s Day holiday commemorates the death of Saint Patrick (c. 385 – c. 461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. It is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian Newfoundland and Labrador provinces, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is celebrated in more countries (and the International Space Station) than any national festival, especially among the Irish diaspora and modern offspring. If you aren't of Irish background, you can and will be on March 17 if you choose to!
While some of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations may be in Boston or Chicago, many don't realize that warm southern locales celebrate with the same spirit and vigor. The added benefit is that while the weather "up north" can be unpredictable and often bitterly cold and wet, March 17 in states like Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana can be downright idyllic with temperate weather and sunny skies – perfect for an outdoor celebration of the green!
So where does one go to celebrate the day with friends in the good ol' South? Read on, here are some of our favorite destinations:
Savannah, Georgia
The parade, held since 1824 (canceled 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic) attracts revelers from far and wide to Georgia's first planned city established in 1733. Two hundred eighty units - bands, families, societies, soldiers, public servants, and commercial floats - wind through the streets of Historic Downtown Savannah every March. Fountains are turned green, and everyone is a leprechaun making this celebration one of the largest and most recognized in the world.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
In the 1940s, the people at Ripley's Believe it or Not recognized Bridge Street in Hot Springs as the shortest street in the United States. What began as a joke has turned into a significant regional event. Not too long ago, this street was designated as the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade site.
Today, it boasts green beer (of course), an array of celebrity marshals, bagpipes, belly dancers, and a team of Irish Elvis Presley look a likes. Ironic and entertaining!
San Antonio, Texas
Yes, you read it correctly. Everyone is Irish in San Antonio on St. Patrick's Day. Each year, since 1969, the River Walk is turned into the River Shannon with the help of 25 gallons of eco-friendly green dye mixed into the water. The 2 ½ mile stretch intensifies in color with water movement by boats.
A procession of 12 Irish-themes decorated floats filled with Irish entertainment can be enjoyed anywhere on the parade route limited to only the river. Celebrants can enjoy the view from various restaurants and watering holes on the river.
Here you can savor traditional Irish food created just for the holiday, or if that's not to your liking, hoist a green margarita and nacho chips to put a spin on the tradition.
Are you in the celebratory spirit? Book one of our trucks: Peaches, Belle or Tux for your next festival wedding, block party or 2023 St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Book early because our trucks are in demand and make a bespoke back drop to almost any event.
